8 Places to Plan Your Next Mom Date

When was the last time you had a real conversation with your BFF? If you can’t remember (yea, us either), than it’s time to plan a much-needed mom date. And the good news is you don’t need to wait until the kiddos are in school to have a mommy play date. We’ve searched the city for kid-friendly places that also provide opportunities for adults to have a little fun too (yes, they really exist!). So read on for our top mom date-worthy picks around Seattle that range from places that are fully supervised by you or a trained childcare provider to places where the childcare is free (or as close to free!) as you can get.

Vios
Two locations (Ravenna and Capitol Hill) means twice the fun for moms of tots looking for a great Mediterranean meal and/or a nice glass of vino. The secure play area/corral is filled with plenty of toys, puzzles and books appropriate for preschool-age kids and younger. Mommies can sit just outside the play space at the “bar,” so there’s no risk of kiddos wandering off while you get lost in conversation. The Ravenna location is adjacent to Third Place Books in case you’d like to offer up a new children’s picture book as a reward for good behavior.

Phinney Market Pub & Eatery
Two words: Happy Hour! Every day. Just north of Woodland Park Zoo, Phinney Market Pub & Eatery is the perfect place to unwind during that post-school/pre-dinner “witching hour.” Which, coincidentally, times nicely with Phinney Market’s daily happy hour from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Kiddos can frolic inside the built-in play area filled with interactive toys or enjoy items from their extensive children’s menu (every item is $4.95, including a drink). Adults can relax and get happy with happy hour specials like the Quarter Pound Market Burger for $4 and selections from their impressive wine and beer list.

U Village
It’s outside, yes, but the play area (located between Hanna Andersson and Kids Club) is fully covered and secure for children ages 6 and under. The Village is home to no shortage of yummy treats for you and/or the kiddos (Starbucks – two of ‘em, Fran’s Chocolates, Tokyo Treats, Menchie’s,Red Mango… we could go on.) At any rate, while you and your friend dissect the finer points of mom culture in Seattle while kicking back on the surrounding benches, the kiddos will be happy until it’s time to go home.

University Village
2623 NE University Village
Seattle, Wa 98105Online: uvillage.com

Montlake Ale House
Whoever came up with the mosh pit style kids play area is brilliant. Toward the back of the restaurant, you’ll find a fully carpeted, squishy-good enclosure full of toddler toys. Like Vios, a “bar rail” surrounds the kid enclosure, so moms can eat, drink and get merry while young ones play. Near the Washington Park Arboretum, the Ale House is a great place to stop in for a drink or an early dinner. The only downside is that the food is only so-so and the atmosphere is definitely collegiate and sports bar-y, so time your mom date accordingly. Unless, of course, you’re both looking for a kid-friendly place to watch the big game.

Serendipity Café
Espresso, gelato, baked goods, salads, beer, wine, free Wi-Fi! We think it’s no accident that Serendipity is the go-to place for Magnolia moms. Kids will be entranced by the train table, dollhouse, art table or uber-cool chalkboard wall – while you indulge in some well-deserved adult time.

Twirl Café
Buh-bye whining, hello wine tastings! Twirl Café on Queen Anne is now open late on Wednesdays (until 8:00 pm) so you, a friend (and your kids, of course) can play, snack and sip. Twirl’s menu includes mom favorites like specialty sandwiches (all served on Macrina potato bread with organic mixed greens) small plates, breakfast items, beer, wine and espresso. For kids, Twirl’s jungle adventure-themed play area comes equipped with a play kitchen, train table, reading corner, and plenty of interactive toys. Bonus: the play area is cleaned often, so you don’t have to worry about coming home (or down with) with the nasties. Note: be sure to check the play area schedule for weekly goings on. There is also a nominal fee for kid’s play (waived if you eat dinner or spend at least $20 on food and drink; whichever you prefer).

Mosaic Coffee House
This non-profit community coffee house (located in a former church basement right behind Dick’s Drive-in in Wallingford) is the perfect rainy day getaway. Grab some coffee, tea and goodies and head to the separate play room where the tots can play freely and moms can gab good-heartedly.

REI
The giant tree house on the top floor of flagship REI downtown is pretty spectacular. No, you and your mom friend can’t swing from the branches are relive your younger days, but you can pick up a wrap, smoothie or coffee at the adjacent World Wraps and catch up on the good times while your kiddos climb to new heights.